10,585
Up for sale is a fully renovated 1998 13 foot Scamp. My wife and I originally purchased this trailer with the hopes of loving a little extra space during our travels around the county. Unfortunately it’s not our cup of tea. We’ve extensively traveled over a few continents, overland by 4x4 van and decided to try pulling a small trailer around for some added space. We ended up preferring our small overland rig as we really enjoy off roading into remote areas.
I built out this Scamp with the intention of it being our tiny home away from home, not with the intention of maximizing profits by using cheap or sub par items in this build. I focused on quality over cost for our little casa. I’ve spent many, many hours working on this trailer, but with that said it is still 28 years old and as with any older classics there will always be something that’s not perfect. I will try to be as thorough as possible with all upgrades, and flaws. I’ll start with everything I’ve upgraded thus far.
Utilities/appliances:
- Installed Blue Sea 100 amp 12 volt fuse block. Originally Scamp had only one inline blade fuse servicing the whole trailer. This fuse panel has many available circuits for any additional 12 volt systems you’d like to install.
- Pre ran extra wires from the fuse block that terminate under the sink. This gives you the option of adding extra circuits in the future without having to snake wires or remove the toilet like I had too in order to run wires. Think USB outlet etc.
- Installed an extra 120v outlet under the sink. Always better to have and not need, than to need and not have.
- I ran an extension cord from under the sink outlet and snaked it to the cabinet where the battery and 12v fuse panel reside. This is so when you’re hooked to shore power you can install a battery charger to replenish you 12v system. The reason I chose this over installing an outlet in the compartment is it is much cleaner looking in my opinion. Rather than having a large protruding outlet box installed you have a cord that can wrap up.
- Installed 100 AH Renogy LIfeP04 battery. This is enough battery storage to be off grid and run the fridge, lights, and pump (12 volt system) for 2-4 days depending on conditions and usage. Without the fridge running this could easily run the camper for over a week. It’s an expensive battery but quality isn’t cheap.
- Installed 12v Norcold fridge and freezer that is 2.7 cu ft. Incredible fridge that uses a Danfoss compressor. This is the best compressor you can have in a 12v fridge, and is the most efficient energy sipper. This fridge simultaneously plugs into 120v power as well and automatically switches to 120v once you plug into shore power. This feature is great and keeps you from having to remember about swapping voltages and swapping wires. Once again a very expensive item ($1400) but you get what you pay for when it comes to 12v fridges.
- Removed the sink that came stock from Scamp. Terrible sink that wasn’t even deep enough to wash a coffee mug. Installed a deep 14”x 14” stainless steel sink that you can actually wash dishes in without getting water on the floor.
- Installed a Moan kitchen faucet. The original matched the quality of the sink and was unacceptable.
- Replaced the old propane line with a new stainless braided line that runs from the tank port to the stove.
- With installing the new flooring I had to remove the the toilet so I installed a new wax ring, replaced water lines to the toilet and installed a new flush valve from dometic to be proactive as this valve is a common item to leak.
- Added Fantastic exhaust Fan. High end model that can run while it’s pouring rain without any water getting in. We tested this in WA during winter storms. I installed this fan over the stove area to exhaust while cooking, and close to bathroom entrance for taco Tuesday :)
Interior:
- I couldn’t handle all the low quality MDF with faux wood plastic veneer Scamp uses for cabinet faces, walls, etc. I replaced the wall that is in between the bathroom and living area. I used cabinet grade maple plywood. I also replaced the bathroom door out of this same material, and installed a new piano hinge.
- I replaced the MDF faux wood cabinet faces with Baltic Birch plywood, and installed all new soft close hinges throughout. All wood throughout was finished with Rubio Monocoat, which is some of the best finish available. Zero VOC’s and extremely easy to fix damage in the future as reapplying does not require sanding or technical knowledge. Installed new custom cabinet door pulls that are handmade off Etsy and very unique.
- Installed all new flooring throughout with Lifeproof laminate flooring. I would’ve loved to do wood, but out of common sense and practicality this flooring is far superior! Water proof, wear proof, lifetime warranty and virtually indestructible. You’d assume it was wood by walking on it and looking at it, so it’s a win win. I also have several sq ft of unused flooring that comes with the sale. Before I installed the flooring I sealed the OSB subfloor as Scamp left it raw under the original carpet.
- Custom design, fun curtains.
- New beautiful custom kitchen table/bed platform made of Baltic Birch.
- I have a brand new door gasket from Scamp that isn’t installed yet, but I will install this before the sale. The current one is water tight, but not clean looking so I purchased this one but never got around to installing.
Outside:
- brand new tires installed with only 1600 miles on them. Warranty included through Discount/America Tire for free replacement if damaged. I don’t remember how long (I believe the life of the tires) this is good for, but its an excellent warranty that has saved me a lot of money over the years. America Tire’s are located in any decent size city across the county.
- I replaced any rivets that seemed problematic. It’s been a very wet winter and there has been no water intrusion.
- Because I removed the toilet to do the flooring I also wanted to install all new plumbing while I had full access so I replaced all the external ABS fittings for the blackwater system. This also includes installing a new pull valve on the outside from Scamp. The whole system is new and unused, but tested for leaks. We decided we didn’t want to deal with finding dump stations so the whole blackwater system is untouched and clean.
- Brand new door handle and lock from Scamp
- New shore power cord cover.
- Added rear stabilizer jacks.
- Added new safety tow chains.
- Added new roof vent cover. Unfortunately the only ones available are of lower quality and I already cracked the cover by over tightening. This isn’t in an area that affects function, nor does it allow water to enter, but it is something that you will have to keep an eye on, and be cognizant not to over tighten.
- Repainted the wheels. There was nothing wrong with them, but I wanted a fresher look.
The Cons:
- The gel coat is a little faded. It’s not terrible especially considering the age, but it’s not glossy like new gelcoat.
- There are nicks and scratches in some of the white painted cabinetry. I’ll have them properly documented in the pics. I’ve thought about doing a touch up paint, but sometimes that can look worse if the color isn’t properly matched, so I decided to just leave it and the new owner can decide what works for them.
- The 12v pump is a little loud. These trailers use diaphragm pumps (Pentair/ Surflow) which are naturally a louder pump as they pulse but have the benefit of not needing primed. The newer pumps are a “little quieter” but this doesn’t affect the performance. If this is something that bothered you it’s a very simple replacement and a new pump runs around $175. Not sure if the decibel difference would be worth the cost. I’d be happy to let you compare a newer pump decibel level to the Scamps.
- Roof vent cover crack: explanation above.
- Storage case for the black water tubing is old, and needs replaced. This still functions as it should and at this point is only cosmetic. We never wanted to deal with using the toilet in the camper, so we never opened and closed the tube. I would imagine with active use this would eventually need to be replaced. It’s a simple replacement, but you would need a small amount of hands on skills. Scamp sells the parts for pretty cheap.
- The bed cushions look like they had left over stock form the 80’s. They are in great condition but I wouldn’t exactly say they are my style. If interested I have a custom made tempurpedic style topper we made to go over cushions for more comfort. Included in sale if interested.
- The lighting. Everything works fine, but is older technology. If I was going to keep the trailer I’d do newer lighting for both the 12v lights and the 120v. Simple installs that doesn’t entail any fabrication.
I feel this pretty much covers the trailer in depth from the good to the bad. I’m sure I’m forgetting some minor details, but over all it’s an amazing trailer. It should belong to someone who is going to use it often and create new memories. It has been sitting unused for over a year and it’s time for you to enjoy this Scamp. A ship is safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are made for. Any questions please ask. Delivery is an option for a fee that can be discussed. I’m also open to customizing the trailer if you’d like anything added or modified for a fee. The trailer is a little dusty from sitting and needs a good external wash of which I will thoroughly detail before the sale. Thanks for looking, and have a good day. Cheers